Reynolds+v.+United+States

Joann Wagner MGED 3030 January 30, 2011 Dr. Goodale **__ Reynolds v. United States __** 98 U.S. 145 Argued November 14-15, 1878 Decided May 5, 1879 By a vote of 9-0 Supreme Court 1879 REYNOLDS V.   United States Supreme Court of United States **__ Background: __** Following conviction in territorial district court, and appeal to the Utah territorial Supreme Court, George Reynolds appealed his case before the U.S. Supreme Court. With polygamy being banned in all fifty states, the 1879 case brought a conviction for bigamy. Reynolds stated the law was unconstitutional on first amendment grounds. Specifically, arguing that it was his religious duty which drove him to commit polygamy. Those who argued against the practice, characterized polygamy as a menace to society, contrary to the American way of life, and morally wrong. **__ Decision and Rational: __** Although the Constitution protects an individual’s right to hold unconventional religious beliefs and opinions without interference, religious practices do not enjoy the same protection under the law. Further, government cannot permit any particular group to disregard the laws regulating marriage on the basis of religious tradition. Reynolds was convicted by a unanimous 9-0 vote. The initial decision brought a sentence of two years in prison at hard labor and a fine of $500.00. However, giving further consideration to the intricacies of the case, the court decided to replace the hard labor component of the sentence with a three year increase in the prison term, for a total of five years. **__ Impact on Education: __** Given the outcome of the case, the impact to the field of education is associated with the mandate for a wall of separation between church and state. Consequently, teachers and administrators must remain vigilant to ensure boundaries are not crossed. Both the school district as well as teachers can be held accountable for violations of this nature which are perceived to have infringed upon the rights of another. Violations can originate from other students as well as the school’s staff. Even if the alleged incidence is later considered unfounded, the loss of resources resulting from defending the case, or the expended efforts of the school district staff diminishes the educational opportunities for all students. Also, aspects of the chosen curriculum can be determined based upon the outcome of this case as well. The separation of church and state issue remains a significant source of frustration and potential liability for educators. **__ Applicable Quiz Question: __** The Supreme Court decided …? A) Reynolds was not hurting anyone. Therefore, on appeal, the case was overturned. B) The case was undecided and Sent to a higher court. C) Reynolds was innocent by a vote of 9-0 D) Reynolds was guilty by a vote of 9-0

Ashley Thornton Reynolds v. United States United States Supreme Court Argued: November 14-15, 1878 Decided: January 6, 1879 ** Background: ** George Reynolds, a member of the Mormon Church, challenged the federal law prohibiting bigamy, citing that his first amendment right to freely practice his religion was being denied. Reynolds was charged with being married to two women at the same time. In Utah’s lower court system, he was tried and convicted of bigamy. His sentence was two years hard labor and a $500 fine. Reynolds appealed, and the case went to the Supreme Court of the Utah Territory, where they upheld the lower court’s decision. Thus, he appealed to the United States Supreme Court.

** Decision/Rationale: ** The Supreme Court held, unanimously, that bigamy is unlawful and that any unlawful behavior is punishable. “Religious duty” is not an excuse for any behavior. Criminal religious practices are not protected by the first amendment. The only thing protected by first amendment rights are religious beliefs and opinions- not actions. Justice Waite argues that illegally practicing bigamy because of religious duty is the equivalent of someone sacrificing human life in the name of religious duty.

** Impact on Education: ** Though this particular case has no direct impact on education**,** teachers must be ever cautious of the sensitivity of individual rights, and more importantly, the separation of church and state. As employees of any school system, teachers are bound by the laws of the state. Any discrepancy by a teacher regarding first amendment rights can be disastrous for a school system, wasting time and resources, and discrediting the school.

** Quiz Question: ** The first amendment does not protect what religious aspect? A. Practices B. Opinions C. Beliefs D. None of the above